FSQ Supervisor

• Built on over a century of dedication, Maola is always looking ahead—investing in our people, strengthening our communities, and securing fresh, local dairy for the future.
• Join a farmer-owned cooperative rooted in integrity, sustainability, and a passion for providing fresh, high-quality Maola dairy products.
• We prioritize your well-being with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with employer match, Life Insurance, paid time off, and more—available within your first month.
• Our employees are an integral part of who we are — what you do and what you think matters.

The Quality Assurance Supervisor is responsible for the monitoring and advancement of our food safety and quality programs. Through daily process checks and short- and long-term projects, the QA Supervisor ensures regulatory compliance and helps deliver safe, high-quality products to our consumers. This position is also responsible for the daily functioning of the lab, including but not limited to; employee development, safety, continuous improvement, data analysis, problem solving, and regulatory compliance.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• →Responsible for providing strong leadership and support to Lab Technicians to ensure that food safety and quality standards are achieved.
• →Responsible for ensuring smooth day-to-day operation in the lab. Can effectively delegate tasks/projects to team members.
• →Create the monthly Lab Technician schedule and coordinate coverage for employee absences, including planned PTO.
• →Oversee the development and implementation of the SQF system. Ensure the SQF system is effective through regular verification and validation.
• →Prepare for and support external audits including SQF, regulatory audits and other certification (such as kosher) audits.
• →Continuously improve the SQF system to ensure it meets the highest standards of food safety
• →Responsible for establishing and maintaining lab SOPs and training for Lab Technicians.
• →Order lab supplies, coordinate with contractors, maintain lab equipment while keeping the department under budget.
• →Drive external and internal CAPA activities including addressing customer complaints.
• →Conduct trend analyses and hold regular meetings to report Quality Key Performance Metrics (KPMs) including environmental monitoring results and shelf-life study results. · Perform Lab Technician duties when needed to ensure coverage, in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), if applicable.
• →Set clear expectations for the team while providing the motivation, guidance, and support needed to achieve results.
• →Act as a backup to FSQ Manager as needed.
• →Other duties may be assigned.

This position has direct reports.

• High school diploma, GED or international or equivalent required equivalent.
• At least two years of quality assurance experience in food manufacturing, biological or related field required; dairy manufacturing experience preferred.
• At least one year of supervisory experience or experience leading a team.
• Bachelor’s degree in food science, biology, chemistry, or a related field preferred.
• SQF Practitioner (certified or qualified by experience).
• Experience in GFSI (SQF), HACCP, FSMA, GMP. preferred.
• PCQI certified preferred.

• Excellent communication skills. Has a sense of urgency and understands how to prioritize food safety and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to balance competing priorities, work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and remain motivated to learn and develop new capabilities.
• Proficient record keeping skills and attention to detail.
• Exhibit effective problem-solving skills.
• Ability to obtain a PCQI certification
• Proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint and other basic computer programs.

• Communication
• Communicate clearly and effectively through multiple channels – oral, written, visual, and non-verbal – ensuring our messages are understood and delivered appropriately, whether in-person or digitally.
• Accountability
• Take responsibility for actions and anticipate challenges before they arise.
• Solve problems both within and outside of departments, proactively addressing issues as they occur. 
• Customer Focused
• Prioritize understanding and meeting both internal and external customer needs.
• Ensure high levels of satisfaction and loyalty by anticipating customer requirements and striving for exceptional service.
• Initiative
• Proactive in identifying opportunities and addressing potential threats.
• Act independently and decisively, rather than waiting for situations to demand action.
• Problem-Solving
• Possess the ability to identify and address complex issues with minimal guidance.
• Skilled at analyzing challenges and finding practical, effective solutions. 
• Collaboration
• Take responsibility for deliverables while also supporting others to ensure that collective goals are met.
• Able to work harmoniously with others toward a common goal, recognizing and valuing each person’s contributions, is fundamental to successful collaboration.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must be able to reach, bend, extend, and lift 50-60 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The work environment may require working in the cooler room with varying degrees of temperature and may include contact with water or dairy liquids.
• Exposed to a noise level of 90 decibels. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate/high. Wet/slippery work conditions.